The answer is obvious, or is it?

How many times have you looked at a situation and determined the answer was obvious: yet, the people who were examining the issue, didn’t seem to agree?

Perspective. Everything is a matter of perspective.

What we believe and know, what have learned through experience, is how we approach problems. We define our answers and our decisions from the benefit of our perspectives.

 What if there is information or insights from the perspectives of others which differs from ours?

Are they wrong? Are they incorrect? For whatever reason, are they less significant or diminished?

 When we value our perspective above or over others in a decision making or problem-solving process, we are risking more than we realize. 

1.      We alienate those around us once they believe their perspective doesn’t matter.

2.      We limit our ability to gain a broader view of the issue and potential solutions.

3.      We restrict our ability to gain fresh insights in areas not previously available to us.

4.      We inhibit our ability to have others collaborate or communicate with us.

Several years ago, I participated in a CEO forum with several respected executives. One morning we were reflecting on the lessons from a presentation at a previous session. I shared something which resonated with me. One of the CEO’s turned to me and said, “that’s where you are wrong…”

His comment completely shut down the dialogue. I was expressing my opinion and what resonated with me. Neither my opinion nor my perspective can be wrong. They are mine based on what I know and believe.

This individual could have said, “I don’t see it the same way you do and here’s why.” It would have challenged me to understand his view, while providing additional opportunity to expand on mine. At the least, there would have been an exchange of information between us, to the advantage of the others in the room.

I understand the desire to move quickly and make timely, decisive decisions. There is also a need to learn, explore, understand, and engage. Taking the time to enroll others in the problem-solving process provides perspectives and insights not previously known or available.  It also enhances communication through collaboration and interaction.

 Next time you think the answer is obvious, ask yourself, obvious to who?

How well do you understand the perspectives of others around the same problem?

Maybe you could take a moment to step back and learn through listening.

"Once I stopped telling and started listening, everything changed."